Dr. Tharusha Wijewardena

Dr. Tharusha Wijewardena is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Urban Environments in Ontario, Canada. Her research focuses on herpetology, urban ecology,
and the conservation of imperilled species. During her PhD, Tharusha evaluated a headstarting program for the endangered Blanding’s Turtles in collaboration with the Toronto Zoo. Currently, she is investigating how urban heat islands affect the nesting ecology of freshwater turtles. This work involves partnerships with community science groups, conservation organizations, local conservation authorities, and academic institutions. Tharusha strives for collaborative work that creates long-term solutions to conservation challenges in cities.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Tharusha found her passion for herpetology when she worked as an intern for the Toronto Zoo. Over the years, she also developed a love for photography and digital drawing which she now uses to showcase her admiration for herpetofauna. In her free time, she volunteers for initiatives focused on environmental stewardship and herpetofauna conservation.